Alina The Falcon Guardian
short story by Edwin J. Gasque
In the icy wilderness of Siberia, atop a snow-capped mountain, lived a mysterious woman named Alina. She was a recluse, known to few, and her solitary existence was fueled by a traumatic past that had left scars on her heart. Alina possessed a secret ability: she could shapeshift into a majestic falcon at will.
Once a victim of heartless men who had caused her great pain, Alina had learned to distance herself from society, taking solace in her mountain shack and the vast skies she explored as a falcon. However, her heart still carried compassion, especially for the most vulnerable - the homeless children who struggled to survive the harsh Siberian winter.
As the bitter cold winds swept through the region, Alina kept a watchful eye on the plight of these children. She observed them from her lofty vantage point, seeing their struggles, their hunger, and their fear. Touched by their suffering, she knew she couldn't remain a bystander.
Each night, Alina would transform into her falcon form and soar across the frozen landscape. She gathered scraps of food from kindhearted villagers and brought them to the children, leaving the offerings near their makeshift shelters without being seen. The children never knew who their elusive benefactor was, but they were immensely grateful for the nourishment that kept them alive.
As the winter intensified, Alina's care extended beyond just providing food. She noticed some children were without warm clothing and blankets. Fueled by empathy, she ventured into the nearby villages as a falcon, carefully selecting clothing from generous souls who were willing to share. The children awoke to find the much-needed items, leaving them bewildered but comforted by this anonymous act of kindness.
Amidst her self-imposed isolation, Alina found a sense of purpose in helping these innocent souls. Her heart, once closed off from the world, began to thaw as she witnessed the gratitude in the children's eyes. She couldn't deny the connection she felt to them, despite her aversion to other humans.
One evening, while in her human form, Alina spotted a group of men harassing the children. Old wounds resurfaced, and she was overcome with a mix of fear and anger. Drawing strength from her falcon side, she shifted into the bird of prey and let out a piercing screech that sent the men fleeing in terror. From that moment on, the children began to call their mysterious protector "Falcon Guardian."
With each passing day, Alina's bond with the children grew stronger. They shared stories and laughter, filling her heart with warmth she hadn't felt in years. The children saw her not as a broken woman but as a guardian angel who had come to their aid when they needed it most.
As the winter drew to a close, Alina knew her time with the children was limited. Spring brought with it an opportunity for them to find safer places to call home. With a heavy heart, she bid them farewell, knowing that her acts of kindness had made a difference in their lives.
The memory of the Falcon Guardian lived on in the hearts of the children, inspiring them to help others in need as they grew older. And for Alina, the healing power of love and compassion had melted the icy walls around her heart, allowing her to embrace the world once more. As she soared through the Siberian skies, she knew that even in her solitude, she had found a way to be a guardian of hope and kindness in a world that sorely needed it.
About the Creator
Edwin J. Gasque
“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” -Confucius.
Making my dreams a reality. I hope to grab the attention of many readers and give them insightful information. I mostly write poems and short stories.
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